Lions and Waratahs to face off in semi-finals

Emirates Lions to play the Waratahs in semi-finals.

WAITING GAME: Emirates Lions captain Warren Whiteley leads his team to a win during the Super Rugby quarter-final match. Photo: Gordon Arons.

The Emirates Lions blast through to the semi-final of the Vodacom Super Rugby after demolishing the Jaguares on July 14.

The local Johannesburg outfit will play the Waratahs this coming Saturday on home soil, Emirates Airline Park, at 3.05pm.

It is the third consecutive time that the Lions have qualified to play in the semi-final after beating the Jaguares 40-23.

The Waratahs scored a dramatic 30-23 come-from-behind win over the Highlanders in Sydney to book their place in the last four after wiping out a half-time deficit of 23-6.

KICKING KING: Emirates Lions fly half Elton Jantjies plays his kicking game to put his team on the front foot during the Super Rugby quarter-final match between Emirates Lions and Jaguares.
Photo: Gordon Arons.

Earlier on Saturday morning, the Crusaders triumphed 40-10 over the Cell C Sharks in Christchurch to secure their home semi-final berth against the Hurricanes who edged the Chiefs 32-31 on Friday.

Playing at home on the Highveld, the Emirates Lions outscored their Argentine opponents by four tries to two, while Springbok fly half Elton Jantjies contributed 20 points with the boot.

Jantjies delivered a flawless kicking display and converted the tries of Ruan Combrinck (wing), Harold Vorster (centre), Malcolm Marx (hooker) and Andries Coetzee (full back), while also adding three penalties and a drop goal.

Their tight five, with hooker Marx in outstanding form, delivered an impressive display against the powerful Jaguares pack, which allowed them a solid platform to attack from. The Jaguares stormed back within four points of their hosts at one stage (27-23) but the Gauteng side quickly shifted into a higher gear to take the game away from the visitors.

ON THE MOVE: Emirates Lions flank Cyle Brink makes a move during the Super Rugby quarter-final match between the Emirates Lions and Jaguares at Emirates Airline Park on July 21.
Photo: Gordon Arons.

In the early morning game in Christchurch, the Cell C Sharks fought bravely after a poor start, which handed the Kiwi side the all-important momentum.

The Crusaders scored five tries through Bryn Hall, David Havili, Matt Todd, Braydon Ennor and Peter Samu while Richie Mo’unga slotted three conversions and also three penalties. Kobus van Wyk scored the Durbanites’ only try, with Robert du Preez adding the conversion and a penalty.

The Highlanders took firm control of the opening period and deserved their half-time lead over the Waratahs in Sydney. However, Bernard Foley scored two of the Waratahs’ three tries as they overturned a 17-point deficit for a dramatic 30-23 triumph.